Thinking of playing and want some advice.

Nemorsa

I'm thinking about buying the game again now that the Ultimate Collection came out. I bought it awhile ago but didn't play it much do to time constraints and an old computer, but now I've got the time, and heard that my computer won't matter much. I'd like some advice on which version I should buy, Xbox or PC, I don't mind about graphics, I just want the one that plays better. I also read in this thread that the state of the game is kind of poor for people who like to take time and level and group. I prefer to solo, but I do like a group now and then, and I want to take it slow, so what is your opinion on the state of the game? Is it all a power level "who cares about the story" rush to get to end game, or are there still some people/servers that do things at a slower pace? Is it right for new players and people who are trying to get back into it, or is it full of people just trying to level their new characters/classes?

I'm planning on joining Asura because I heard it's a good server, what would you say about it and how it fairs against the prior question?

Chach

If you prefer playing Xbox, stay with Xbox as long as you have a keyboard when you want to type something.  Pc though is fine as well.  I prefer the PC.

FFXI will be good if you like to mix it up between solo and group play.  I hear Asura is one of the heavier populated ones out there.  Mostly your gameplay will depend on the hours you can play.  It's sometimes hard to get into group events in the morning with the Japanese, as they usually look for Japanese 1st and only take English speaking if they know you or are desperate.  I usually would recommend any solo play such as, crafting, questing, nm hunting, etc.

AFter school lets out, you have more of a diverse group to do some grouping.  I highly recommend doing blm, rdm, or thf to start out as a job.  I would put red mage 1st, as this job has probably the best solo potential(except the new and improved dancer sub with "nin, thf, and others.") Still red mage shines because it's depended on for great merit parties at level 75 as well as almost all end game events.

Granted I am a melee guy, but best to have red mage to help you do everything you want and then level on the side the class you really want.